Lorna, (LACW LD Hammersley), served in the Womens Auxiliary Air Force from 30 Jun 1942 until 8 Jan 1946. Her rank was "Leading Aircraft-Woman", service number 2071569. She saw service as a Wireless Operator based in Western Europe (Paris) between 10 Apr 1945 and 5 Jan 1946. She was awarded the France and Germany Star.

The France and Germany Star (WW2)The France and Germany Star was awarded for operational services in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany between June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) and the May 8th, 1945, (the German surrender). Operational service in the Royal and Merchant Navies in the English Channel, North Sea and Bay of Biscay in connection with the campaign in Northern Europe also qualified. Naval service off the coast of the South of France did not qualify for this award, but qualified for the Italy Star.

RAF aircrews having taken part in an operational sortie over Europe between June 6th, 1944 and May 8th, 1945 as well as aircrews who flew operations over Europe from Mediterranean bases did not qualify for this award either but for the Italy Star.

Personnel qualifying for the France and Germany Star and the Atlantic Star, only received the first award with a suitably inscribed bar for the second attached to the ribbon.

The War Medal 1939-45The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea. It is sometimes described as the "Victory Medal" for WW2, although that is not its correct name

Ticket to the Grand Farewell Ball, Paris 1945On the left of this pair of images is a scan of a ticket to the Farewell Ball held at the Theatre Municipal, Paris on 18 Sep 1945. This was organised by the RAF prior to the return of service personnel to the UK towards the end of 1945.

On the right, is a scan of the handwritten message on the back of the ticket. It reads: "18/9/1945. To Julia with love and kisses from Alan P Speed", and ... "At the corner of Rue Royale and St Honore at 11.30". (NB: Lorna was AKA Julie or Julia.)